South Africas tourism industry is seeing strong growth from Russia helped by visa-free entry and continued connectivity between the two countries which has driven a dramatic 150 surge in arrivals since pre-COVID 2019.
South Africas latest International Tourism Report shows that, between January and September, arrivals from Russia hit 25 267 a 28.5 increase from last year and more than double the 11 009 arrivals recorded in the comparative 2019 period.
Strengthened ties between BRICS countries have positively influenced tourism. Easier cooperation, mutual interest and cultural exchange have made South Africa a more appealing and accessible destination for Russian visitors, Julia de Beer , a Russian-speaking guide and Director of Cape Town-based Ruafrica Travel, told Tourism Update .